The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) said that an alternative to petroleum wax coatings making fresh fruits last longer will soon be locally available through a startup company.
SEARCA said its grant for research for agricultural innovative solutions program supported the technology produced by HS InnoTech, Inc. (HSII).
HSII is made up of University of the Philippines Los Baños-based inventors that came up with Fruitect which are agricultural waste-derived edible coating formulations that delay the ripening of mangoes and bananas.
SEARCA said the grant awarded last year funded the fabrication of support structures and test runs to produce up to 300 liters of Fruitect.
The pilot plant will produce Fruitect in liquid form, making it convenient for direct application onto whole fresh fruits. Iy will also be available in wettable powder for easier packaging, distribution and longer shelf life.
Dr. Veronica Sabularse and Dr. Hidelisa Hernandez, Fruitect inventors, said the technology is derived from peels and leaves, extend post-harvest life and uses agri-waste which are two of the most common problems in the sector.
HSII said Carabao mangoes stored at room temperature turn ripe and sweet five to six days after harvesting but only ripen after 10 or more days when coated with the product.
At cooler storage temperatures, the company claims Fruitect-coated mangoes ripen after 20 days.
Investors said Lakatan bananas stored at room temperature turn ripe and ready to eat six or more days after harvesting, but when coated with the produce will only start to ripen after 20 days.
“By preserving the freshness of fruits sold to consumers, the technology promises better earnings and improved livelihood of our local farmers,” the inventors said.
SEARCA said the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development also provided initial funding for the development of Fruitect, which seeks to leverage nanotechnology in the creation of innovative materials for commercial use.
HSII said it is ready to sell Fruitect formulation for carabao mangoes and will also soon sell the formulation for Lakatan banana as it explores ways to cut production costs.
